The Art Of Horology

New York Times Article "Watches Are Rediscovered By The Cellphone Generation"

2011-07-09T09:25:00.000-04:00

Watches Are Rediscovered By The Cellphone Generation

Great write up featuring a few of our supporters being mentioned. (Hodinkee) This is what we have been trying to do all along with AOH. Looking forward to inspiring more people.

Art of Horology Honors Hal & Debi Jackson

2011-06-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

Join us for an evening for live music, art, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and experience the art of horology with watchmaker Steven Richardson.

Honorees: Hal & Debi Jackson

Hosted by Vanessa Tyler & Danny Simmons

Thursday, June 30th, 6 pm - 9 pm

Audi Forum
250 Park Avenue (at 47th)

RSVP: rsvp@artofhorology.org

Raffle Winner Lionel Patterson

2011-05-11T15:33:00.000-04:00

Congratulations!!

The winner of the Nkiru Sundial watch for the Art of Horology raffle on 5/6/11 is Lionel Patterson!

Many thanks to everyone who participated. Your support is invaluable to the Art of Horology project.

Thank You Terrence Daniels

2011-05-11T11:32:00.000-04:00

Art of Horology would like to say thank you to Terrence Daniels from Ameriprise for helping a child learn watchmaking by sponsoring a watchmaker work bench.

Thank you for your support!

Art of Horology invites you to a Cocktail Lecture!

2011-05-03T13:09:00.001-04:00

Join us for an evening of live music, art, cocktails, hors d'œuvres and experience the Art of Horology with watchmaker Steven Richardson

Hosted by Vanessa Tyler

Saturday, May 21st, 2011
6:00 - 9:00 pm

House of Art
373 Lewis Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11233

RSVP required: rsvp@artofhorology.org, 1.347.749.3823

Antiquorum Watch Specialist Nate Borgelt Guest Lectures at Benjamin Banneker High School

2011-04-05T12:28:00.001-04:00

New York, April 4, 2011- Several months ago jeweler and watchmaker Steven Richardson invited Antiquorum experts to guest lecture at his watchmaking class at Benjamin Banneker High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. After creating his own watch brand, Nkiru America, Steven began teaching, feeling this was the best way to share his knowledge with young people. Having first taught at the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, Steven is currently offering an eight-week "Art of Horology" course at Benjamin Banneker High School. The school is named after the African-American mathematician, scientist, astronomer, and watchmaker.

Last Wednesday, Antiquorum Watch Specialist Nate Borgelt responded to Steven's invitation. Mr. Richardson had warmed the class up by quizzing them on important dates in horological history. The class, made up of students 14-17 years old, was well versed in both horological history and terminology, after only three previous one-hour classes. Nate's lecture included an explanation of Antiquorum's grading system and an overview of past Antiquorum world records. Nate used pieces from past Antiquorum catalogues to show how the grading system provides detailed information on each lot's condition, which is an important factor in determining final results at auction. The students were extremely receptive to the lecture; they asked many questions about the grading system and marveled at some of the exceptional timepieces offered in past Antiquorum sales. After an exhilarating afternoon and lecturing for the first time, Nate commented: "This was truly a fantastic experience for me. After spending an hour with these students, I was impressed by their knowledge and inspired by their enthusiasm for horology."

Antiquorum's Nate Borgelt lecturing to students at Benjamin Banneker High School

Steven Richardson lecturing to his students

“Art of Horology” students listening to Nate’s lecture

About Antiquorum: Established in Geneva in 1974, Antiquorum has carved its own unparalleled niche in the auction world by cultivating a thriving collector’s market for timepieces worldwide. An impressive 51 of the 85 watches sold publicly by major auction houses for over SFr. 1,000,000 were sold by Antiquorum. In 2002, Antiquorum set the all-time world record for a wristwatch at auction, selling a unique 1939 platinum Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 1415 for US$ 4,026,524 (SFr. 6,603,500) - more than double the previous world record. Another record price for a modern watch was achieved in 2004, the unique white gold Calibre 89, also by Patek Philippe, was sold for SFr. 6,603,500 (US$ 5,002,652). Among the world records in 2005, the “Tour de l’Ile”, at US$ 1,564,000 (SFr. 1,876,250), set a world record for a contemporary wristwatch and the “King Fouad I”, at US$ 2,755,000 (SFr. 3,306,250), achieved the highest price ever paid for a Vacheron Constantin. Another record was achieved in 2009, when Gandhi’s pocket watch, sandals, glasses, bowl and thali, sold for an astounding $2,096,000. Antiquorum holds approximately ten auctions a year, in Geneva, New York, and Hong Kong, with previews held in major cities worldwide. In addition to its auction centers in Geneva, New York, and Hong Kong, Antiquorum maintains offices and agents in Paris, Milan, London, Munich, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Moscow.

Flashback - Art of Horology Fundraiser 2009

2011-04-04T19:04:00.002-04:00

Watch Drive Event March 31st, 6 - 11 pm

2011-03-29T16:51:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Executive Lifestyles Group’s First Family Ramone and Christina Bellagamba, the event will take place from 6pm to 9pm at Crystal Manor located at 1460 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.

This seminar will be a platform where men and women discuss their experiences, views and knowledge on the lucrative topic of building and sustaining wealth. The diverse listing of speakers hail from different backgrounds and industries but share the common thread of business and financial success.

Participants of all ages and socioeconomic demographics are invited to attend this breakthrough event where the focus will be on motivation, education, and empowerment through facilitated discussion and Q & A sessions.

The guest speakers for this amazing event include:
Ms. Diane Brady-Author Book: “Knowing Where to Begin”
Dr. Gary Carpenter-Wellness Coach: Executive Lifestyle Group
Mr. Tazz Daddy-Author, Book: “Common Sense Ain’t Common”
Mr. Andrew Morrison- Small Business Camp
Ms. Shannon Nelson-Author Book: “Get Over Your BS (Belief System)”
Mr. Leonard "Spar" Person- Hoodestate.com/ Heaven Homes Realty
Mr. David "Motivator" Pharel-/ MakeLifeEpic.net LLC/ Executive Lifestyle Group
Mr. Keishorne S. Scott- One More Educated Black Man
Plus a special surprise speaker!

Gold Admission is available for $25.00 and Platinum Admission is available for $50.00. Both can be ordered throughwww.MakeLifeEpic.eventbrite.com.
For more information or to inquiry about sponsorship or press opportunities, please contact: (347)693-7736 or e-mailinfo@makelifeepic.net.
About Executive Lifestyle Group:
Executive Lifestyle Group is full scale lifestyle brand specializing in Life Coaching, Mentoring, and Motivational Speaking. Ourlife coaches help clients in many areas including wellness, career, finance, relationships, success, and self esteem.

About MakeLifeEpic.Net:
MakeLifeEpic.net is a motivational site geared towards individuals who want the best out of their lives. With daily content geared towards providing insight for self improvement.

Internship

2011-03-22T15:45:00.000-04:00

www.artofhorology.org

NYer of the Week - Steven Richardson - The Art of Horology Workshop

2010-01-08T23:16:00.000-05:00

NYer of the Week

The latest New Yorker of the Week teaches the study of timekeeping and watchmaking to the residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. NY1's Roma Torre filed the following report.
Local watchmaker Steven Richardson wants to teach people in his neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn the joys of horology, the study of timekeeping, and the history, mechanics and art of watchmaking.
"Time is one of the most precious things that we have and to study it, to study horology is just a great thing," says Richardson. "It's a great passion of mine and I thought I could just share it with the community."
Last year at the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, Richardson started a free watchmaking class called the "Art of Horology Project."

...

2009-11-11T20:04:00.002-05:00

Host Malik Yoba and watchmaker Steven Richardson at The Art of Horology Fundraiser.

Time Goes On

2009-11-05T01:27:00.000-05:00

Fusee: (fyu-‘ze)n. a conical spirally grooved pulley in a timepiece from which a cord or chain unwinds onto a barrel containing the spring and which by its increasing diameter compensates for the lessening power of the spring

As we take a brief historical look into the history of watches and timepieces alike, let’s go back to the 16th Century in Germany where Peter Henlein created the first pocket watch. Most pocket watches were at one point an item of choice for people of aristocracy. Today, they are being handed down as gifts.

Then, in or around the early 17th Century, Fusees were adapted from clocks to watches. In 1687, the repeating mechanisms that tolls s bell sound every quarter hour and hour. As time goes on, so does the style of watches and timepieces. As we move on to the year 1704, that was when jewels were used in watch movements. Peter and Jacob Debaufre, Nicolas Facio were the first gentlemen to make this happen. It wasn’t until around 1750 that watchmakers began using enamel on watch dials. The English lever escpaements were eventually added nine years later by Thomas Mudge.

The first watch making shop erected in Paris, France in 1775. A few years later, Abraham Louis Perrelet invented the self winding movement making watches easy to set. Later in 1807, Thomas Young invented the recording chronograph. Two years following, Luther Goddard of Shrewsbury, MS was the first watch manufacturer in America. In 1820, the first patent for the self winding watch was registered. Tiffany’s was opened in 1837.

As far as brands, in 1853, Tissot made the first dual time zone watch; 1858, Minerva is founded; 1860 Heuer is founded; 1865, Zenith was founded and 1881, Movado was founded. In 1884, Greenwich, England was officially named the zero meridian and used as the worldwide recognized basis of time zones.

Watchmakers have evolved at the turn of the twentieth century beginning in 1905 when Hans Wilsdorf started the Rolex Watch Company. Wrist watches came with alarms in 1914. Further in 1926, Rolex introduced the first waterproof case called the “Oyster”. The Mickey Mouse watch was introduced by 1933 by Ingersoll. Technology began to play a part in how we tell time near 1970 when Hamilton created the “Pulsar”, the first electronic digital watch. Longines and Seiko took it a step further in introducing the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In 1985, Swiss Heuer merged with TAG to form TAG Huere.

As far as time recording went, Casio did the unthinkable and innovative move by having a wrist watch equipped with a built-in Global Positioning System or GPS. Time has been here before man and will always continue. As we take a look into the history of such an intricate craft, one should also take in consideration as to the distribution of timepieces around the world.

Hodinkee.com gives it support to AOH project

2009-11-02T16:10:00.000-05:00

Our friend Benjamin Hodinkee from www.hodinkee.com, lends his support to our fundraiser. Not only will he be at the event he has been giving us much love on his site. Thanks Benjamin!

The Art Of Horology Project Fundraiser Tickets

2009-10-29T08:44:00.002-04:00

Our ticketing information is now posted on Eventbrite!!! Please take a moment to read and share with friends and family.

Regards

Art of Horology Survey

2009-10-29T08:32:00.002-04:00

Art of Horology Survey

Six Questions
Less than a minute of your time.

Thanks.

The Art Of Horology Project Fundraiser Press Release

2009-10-19T17:14:00.013-04:00

NKIRU AMERICA – THE ART OF HOROLOGY PROJECT
The Art of Horology Project - P.O. Box 160213 - Brooklyn, NY 11216
www.nkiruamerica.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2009

NKIRU AMERICA WATCHES AND AUDI USA ANNOUNCES THE
ART OF HOROLOGY PROJECT FUNDRAISER HOSTED BY
MALIK YOBA

The Art of Horology Project is dedicated to introducing the art, history and
science of watchmaking to the digital generations.

WHAT: The Art of Horology Fundraiser

WHERE: The Carriage House for the Arts, East 38th Street, between Lexington
and 3rd Avenue.

WHEN: Thursday, November 5th, 2009 Press & VIP Reception 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

WHO: The Art of Horology Project, is organized and produced by Steven
Richardson of Nkiru America Watches. During the reception, participants will be
treated to live entertainment, cocktails, a silent auction, and a short Q&A session
with Steven Richardson and Malik Yoba.

CONTACT: To sponsor, please contact Terry Alexander, at 347.581.4443 or
talexander@nkiruwatches.com.

For media inquiries and press registration, please contact Karen Isaacs, pr@nkiruamerica.org, 347.346.0561.

Web Site: www.nkiruamerica.org

Blog: http://theartofhorology.blogspot.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/artofhorology

Our Web Site is now live!

2009-10-17T14:10:00.002-04:00

The Art of Horology Project web site is now live. Please visit for information on our upcoming fundraiser on November 5th.

The Art Of Horology Project Fundraiser

2009-10-08T14:39:00.003-04:00

Most of you know me as the founder and CEO of Nkiru America Watches. Nkiru is a Nigerian (Ibo) word meaning “looking ahead." The name is not only relevant and highly appropriate for a timepiece company; it is also a representation of my vision for exposing young people to the art, history and science of horology, the study of timekeeping devices.

Approximately there are less than 5,000 trained timepiece technicians (watchmakers) in the United States and the number continues to dwindle. With this in mind, Nkiru has launched the Art of Horology Project, a non-profit organization created to teach future generations about the horology industry.

Nkiru, in collaboration with the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA, has developed a 10-week workshop to teach the horology program on an introductory level. Our mentoring partnership will provide a meaningful educational, recreational and developmental opportunity regardless of the future career goals of our students. Despite the preliminary success of our program, there is much more we could do with your help. Therefore, we are excited to announce the first annual fundraiser for the Art of Horology Project on November 5th, 2009 at the Gabarron Foundation Carriage House for the Arts. Hosted by Malik Yoba, a long time client of Nkiru America Watches, we will be honoring Danny Simmons, the Interim Chair of New York State Council on the Arts, for his continued support of the project.

The financial donations we hope to raise at this fundraiser will support the secondary and tertiary phase of the workshop, as well as further establish a dedicated horology school in the tri-state area.Thank you for your continued support of Nkiru as we begin this next chapter. Please mark your calendar for November 5th.

For information on Nkiru America Watches and the Art of Horology Project, please join our mailing list at www.nkiruamerica.org. A formal invitation to follow shortly.

Best Wishes,

Steven Richardson
CEO
Nkiru America Watches

Fall 2009 Workshop Schedule

2009-09-05T01:54:00.003-04:00

THE ART OF HOROLOGY PROJECT
FALL 2009 WORKSHOP

The Art of Horology Project is dedicated to introducing the art,
history and science of watch-making to the digital generations.

Thursdays
September 10th
to
November 19th

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

YMCA
Bedford Stuyvesant
1121 Bedford Avenue

Call 718.789.1497 to register.

Ages 12 and up.

Sponsored by Nkiru America
www.nkiruamerica.com